” I believe that If we had managed to score earlier” —Japan coach reveals why Nigeria won WWC final

According to a report by Daily Post on Sunday November 8, 2026, Japan U-17 women’s national team coach, Sadayoshi Shirai, has explained why his team suffered a 2-1 defeat to Nigeria in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The Japanese coach admitted that his players’ inability to score early in the encounter contributed significantly to their defeat against the Flamingos.

Nigeria secured the championship after producing an impressive performance to overcome Japan in Saturday’s final, with goals from Oluebube Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru sealing the historic victory.

Japan managed to find the back of the net through Fuki Ito, who scored a late goal to give her team hope of mounting a comeback.

However, the Japanese side could not find an equaliser as Nigeria held on to its advantage until the final whistle to become champions.

Speaking during his post-match interview with FIFA, Shirai suggested that the outcome could have been different if his players had managed to score earlier in the match.

“I believe that if we had managed to score earlier, we might have had a better chance of winning the match,” Shirai told FIFA.

The coach’s comments reflected his disappointment with the result, particularly after Japan had worked hard to reach the final of the competition.

Shirai’s team had secured its place in the championship match after defeating DPR Korea in the semi-finals.

Japan entered the final hoping to complete its impressive campaign by lifting the trophy, but Nigeria proved difficult to overcome.

The Flamingos, meanwhile, had booked their place in the final after recording a victory over Brazil in the semi-final.

Nigeria carried that momentum into the meeting with Japan and produced the goals needed to secure the biggest prize.

Umejiaku and Bashiru were particularly important for the Nigerian team, as their goals ultimately separated both sides in the final.

Although Japan responded through Ito, the goal came too late to prevent the Flamingos from celebrating their historic achievement.

The victory marked a memorable moment for Nigerian women’s football, with the young Nigerian players demonstrating their quality and determination throughout the tournament.

Umejiaku also received further recognition for her performances after winning the Golden Ball award as the best player of the competition.

Meanwhile, Japan were presented with the FIFA Fair Play Trophy despite their disappointment in the final.

Shirai’s admission that his team needed to score earlier highlighted the importance of taking chances in a major final, particularly against a Nigerian side that made good use of its opportunities.

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